A changing climate is expected to mean more extreme weather events such as intense rainfall and floods, heat-waves and droughts. These impacts are predicted to increase over time, with winters getting warmer and wetter, while summers become hotter and drier.

Reading Rowing Club with River Thames in flood

Temporary flood defences

Water Supply and Flooding Theme

This theme looks at developing actions to make people more aware of the risks of future floods and droughts, and some of the things that we can do to try and prepare.

More extreme rainfall events are expected at any time of the year so we need to prepare for more flash flooding, both in urban areas and from the rivers.

Wetter winters in the future are expected are also expected to increase the frequency and size of future floods.

Hotter, drier summers will tend to increase demand for water and reduce available resources. Hence our concern about our vulnerability to droughts in the future. As well as affecting public water supply, this could also have significant impacts on biodiversity and the natural environment.

This chapter and associated action plan sets out measures to adapt to the threats to water supply and the risks of flooding.

Water Theme – Action Plan

Manage demand for and supply of water, to reduce the expected impact of water shortages on consumers and on wildlife (T4SP1)

Reduce the risk of damage due to flooding (T4SP2)

Develop an adaption plan for Reading so we can plan for extreme events associated with the changing climate (T4SP3)

There are a number of actions behind each of these strategic priorities, which are detailed in the Water Theme Action Plan. As progress is made on each of these actions, we will update the content on the website.

Posts

The IPCC SR15 was released on 8 October 2018 with the strong messages that we have only 12 years to limit global warming to 1.5 degC. “The report highlights a number of climate change impacts that could be avoided by limiting global warming to 1.5ºC compared to 2ºC, or more. For instance, by 2100, global …

The Environment Agency has just finished a consultation on a proposed flood alleviation scheme for Reading and Caversham. This finished on the 26th July but you can view the plans here: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/thames/reading-and-caversham-flood-reduction-options/ If you scroll down to the bottom of the first page there are hyperlinks to the plans etc. The website describes …

Michael Bright and Chris Beales – Friday 4th November 2016 “We live in a water stressed area. Learn about the impact of climate change on our water supplies with wetter winters and drier summers, where our drinking water comes from and what we can do to be more efficient in our water use.” Chris Beales …